This is a 1991 Volvo 240 station wagon with 117,00 miles, auto. transmission.
I am concerned because the auto trans shift lever has a fair amount of free play, suggesting that the linkage bushings may be worn and in need of replacement. In addition, the car cannot be started when the shift lever is in neutral. My memory is that it used to start in neutral. My search in the Brickboard archives led to more confusion on my part. Hence the questions.
Question 1. Are these two issues (free play of lever, no start in neutral) related? Will one action cure both problems?
Question 2. Am I right to be concerned that there might be too much free play? How much is too much? Can this result in a catastrophe, such as not being able to complete a shift?
Question 3. I have read the Bentley shop manual, but it does not give me sufficient information on what exactly to do to replace the shift linkage bushings. Is there a detailed source for the information to correct both of these problems, preferably with nice pictures somewhere?
Question 4.I looked up the part on a website – is this the correct part?
Volvo Shifter bushing - Genuine Volvo 381704 Volvo automatic transmission shifter bushing. 2 per car.
Question 5. Can whatever needs to be done be completed from below by lifting the front of the car or driving it up on ramps? Or should this be done with the car on a lift (which I do not have)?
Question 6. Is this a reasonably easy job for a Saturday mechanic?
Any help with these questions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
FAOF2